Friday, August 19, 2011

THE CENTURION AND THE QUEEN


In preparation for my upcoming release, THE GLADIATOR PRINCE, hitting the stands on September 9th, I thought we’d revisit the first book in this series, THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN, which is NOW OUT ON KINDLE! To help me celebrate the release, I’m giving away two e-Copies (any format, including Kindle or Nook) of both The Centurion & The Queen and The Edge of Honor, the 2nd book in the series. PLUS, a beautiful Celtic necklace will go to one lucky commenter! Though Gladiator Prince will be a stand alone story, these two books follow the amazing Boudicca Revolt and the aftermath in ancient Roman Britannia. Leave a comment and I’ll put your name in the hat.
 
THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN
a historical romance by
Minnette Meador



The revolution that sparks their desire rips her from his arms. They find themselves on opposing sides, in love, and unable to stop the future.
  
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - I was engrossed by The Centurion and the Queen, and didn’t put it down.

SIMPLY ROMANCE REVIEWS - Historical novels especially historical Romance tend to fall within fairly set parameters and usually tend to be a bit cliché. This story breaks out of those parameters and destroys the clichés with a truly refreshing story of love in ancient Britannia.

NIGHTOWL ROMANCE – I encourage you to try out Minnette’s work and see how enmeshed you will become in her wonderful settings. …this book pulled me in and I read it in two sittings…

AUTHOR BIO: Somewhere between thirty and dust…red hair, blue eyes…six kids, one slightly used husband, and any number of pets from  time to time… wannabe hippy… wanttheirmoney yuppie…pro musician and actress for 20 Years… native Oregonian… lover of music,  beauty, and all things green. Willing slave to the venerable muse. Minnette currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband,  having replaced the children with one dog. The dog, Pierre, pretty much runs the show.

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Coming out September 7th, THE GLADIATOR PRINCE, third book in the Centurion Series. I will be going on a month long blog hop and giving away, jewelry, Roman memorabilia, Celtic trinkets, and as a grand finale, a Kindle to one lucky commenter. If you’d like to join my mailing list, just drop me a note at mmeador@minnettemeador.com and I’ll make sure you get a reminder! OR friend me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or any of those amazing social networks. Just put in my name: Minnette Meador to find me. :o)

CONNECT WITH MINNETTE ONLINE
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SNEAK PEEK
Delia was suddenly terrified.

It had snuck up her back unexpectedly as he was speaking; watching his stormy dark eyes, his lined rugged face, and the way he held himself on the back of the horse. The fear did not come from his words, his manner, or his stance. It came from a deep, overwhelming desire stirring within those smoky eyes. She never felt anything with such intensity before, and despite her valiant effort to control it, she trembled. Delia found herself infatuated with this Roman, and the thought sent a shiver of disgust through her.

“No,” she said aloud.

The centurion blinked at her and the faintest trace of a smile appeared. The only other movement on his face was a slight flare of his nostrils.

“No?” he whispered. The soldiers edged their mounts away from him.

“Perhaps, sir, we should invite the lady…” Aelius said quickly.

A single glance from the centurion silenced the man. Marius leaned down against the neck of his horse as it again tried to bite her. Delia stepped back irritably and glowered at the animal.

“Perhaps I did not make myself clear.”

“No one could accuse you of not being precise, Centurion,” Delia answered sardonically, then quickly lowered her head and took a deep breath.

“I… I came here in good faith,” she stammered, trying hard to force down the unwanted feelings, to make her voice sound contrite. Instead, it came out harsh, and she had to bite her lip to control it. “I wish to discuss the release of my men.”

He sat up with an air of self-assured satisfaction and looked down at her, apparently intending to press his authority and his advantage. Obviously, this was something the centurion expected: obedience, supplication—control.

But all at once, Marius stopped. For several heartbeats, his eyes softened and Delia could feel a ripple of excitement run through her when the shade of a smile touched his lips.

The centurion quickly cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

“Very well,” he said, the coolness returning to his face. “You and the girl will come with us, so we can see to your injuries and then we will discuss your men. It is nearing the evening meal. If you will dine with me, we can pursue it. Is that acceptable?” He reached down to take her hand.

Delia appeared outwardly calm, but inside she was a raging chaos of conflicting emotions. Her heart told her to take his hand, enjoy his warmth, his touch, to melt into his arms and surrender to those amazing eyes. The scent of the horseflesh, leather, the soldiers, and the forest mingled, making her head swim. She could hear a voice inside screaming vehemently to run in the opposite direction. Her heritage was appalled that Delia would even consider it—she could hear her father’s voice swearing behind her ears. But it was her duty, in the end, that won out. She had a responsibility to her people.

The centurion smiled, and she found herself wanting to yield to it. Delia bit her lip to keep it from trembling.

“Please,” he said awkwardly as if it was a word he seldom used.

With a soft nod, she took his hand—the heat of it shot lightning down her arms and legs—and allowed him to pull her up behind him.

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